First of all, we want to thank the Breckenridge Brewery – Ballpark Pub, 2222 Blake Street for allowing us to use their really nice meeting room! Weâll also be meeting there for our Holiday Party in December and for the Grammy Watching Party in January.
Secondly, weâd like to thank Johnnie Johnson (of Innervision) for providing a sound system for our meeting. Was very helpful to have the amplification for our singer/songwriters to enhance their performances! And also a âthank youâ to COMBOâs vice-president Andy Ard for assisting Johnnie with setting up the mics, etc., for the performers.
The meeting showcased the winners of COMBOâs first Songwriting Contest. Copies of the compilation CDs were given to the winners (and all the contestants). Several CDs have now been given to publishing and record companies and to music supervisors for their consideration in future projects.
Performing at the meeting were Joel Ashmore (âBlowing Sunshineâ); Andy Palmer (âGrrrâ); Lisa Bell (âBring the Loveâ), Paul Fiorino (âForeclosure Bluesâ); Laurie Dameron (âI Canât Wait to See You Againâ); Ryan Chrys (accompanied by Bradley Weaver) (âA Life Agoâ); Rich Owen (âI Ainât Done Holding Youâ); Mark Risius (âTappitty Wapâ) (an instrumental skillfully played by Mark on his acoustic guitar), and Gary Dean Smith (âShadowsâ).
We also listened to the songs of Kathaleen Hancock (âFollow That Starâ); The Symbols (Mer Sal and Jason Coombs) (âBe Here Nowâ); Denise Gentilini (she played the piano on her recording with Beth Avedis on vocals) (âThe Little Thingsâ), and Eric Peterson (âHavana Girlâ). All the performers told the âback storyâ of the song â how they came to write it. There were some VERY interesting stories including funny and sad â like âGrrrâ has to do with what Andyâs dog says every time Andy talks to him!